EVALUATION OF THE PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF Macrobrachium rosenbergii IN MONOCULTURE AND IN POLYCULTURE WITH Tilapia aurea

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe feasibility of polyculturing Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Tilapia aurea was examined in 500 m2 earthen ponds in central Texas. Monoculture of each species was also undertaken to provide comparative data. Water quality was monitored to determine its influences on survival, growth and production of the culture species.Production of freshwater shrimp in ponds in central Texas was similar to that obtained in other temperate regions of the United States where similar stocking densities, feeding and initial sizes have been employed. At a density of 9 shrimp per m2, average production was 1120 kg/ha. Polyculture increased total production above that obtained from shrimp alone. At stocking rates of 9 shrimp and one fish per m2, total production reached 2240 kg/ha. Combining fish with shrimp resulted in a recognizable but non‐significant reduction in shrimp growth and survival. Competition for food appeared to be the primary interaction between the two species. Increased stocking density increased production and reduced average size.Partial budget analysis indicated that shrimp‐tilapia polyculture had a higher net return than shrimp monoculture.